Would you be excited if I were to tell you that there’s a game being made based on the Tom Cruise classic Days of Thunder? No? What if I told you Tom Cruise was definitely not in it? Still no? Well, I tried.
Seriously though, when I heard about another stock car game coming out I yawned accordingly. But then the game developers ran into my house and slapped me in the face. They told me I had nothing to yawn about, and if I didn’t believe them then I should head down to the local raceway where not only could I try out the game but also check out a real life Nascar race. I was skeptical, but those who know me know I never pass up a challenge (or a free chance to see a horrible crash). So I packed my notebook and a cold six-pack and headed to the world of left turns.
When I arrived at the speedway I was immediately ushered to the media station where who did I find waiting for me but Mr. Bad Ass himself, Michael Rooker (also known as Rowdy Burns, the antagonist in Days of the Thunder who sets out to destroy Tom Cruise’s car, dreams and reputation, but realizes in the end that sometimes you have to learn to forgive and help out a brother. It’s fucking beautiful man.)
To the right, the man, the legend, MIchael Rooker. To the left, not me... I didn't have the foresight to bring a camera so I had to beg someone else for their pictures. I don't know the man on the left, but he looks stoked to be so close to a legend.
While I was very happy to see Rowdy Burns, he was not the reason I was there. I was there to try the game. But as I went towards one of the flat screen TVs the developers slapped me again and told me that I had to drive on a real track before I could play the game, so I could compare my experiences. This struck me as a bold move, but still, it was a nice touch. So I made my way to the track and hopped into a Camry Hybrid (I know, I was a little disappointed too) while a former Nascar pro drove me around the track a few times. We never went past eighty but I have to say going eighty miles around a turn is pretty crazy, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like going one twenty five (hint, foreshadowing). I got out of the Camry Hybrid, regained my senses, picked up a PS3 controller and prepared to make a lot more 360s (Get it? Because the car drives in a circle and Xbox 360 and PS3 are competing consoles…oh never mind). As the countdown for the race begins I realize that Rooker has come up behind me to watch me race. Great, the last thing I need is Rowdy Burns watching my mediocre driving. Oh well, as long as I keep my focus…
Again, tall black man is not me, even though he's in this picture as well. I really need to buy my own camera...
I finished dead last in the race, so I don’t think I impressed Rowdy with my driving skills; however, I was impressed with the game. The graphics are probably the best I’ve ever seen for a racer, and the gameplay itself was fast and intense. The way the car handled on the track seems very similar to what it felt like when I was riding in the hybrid. While I never thought I was actually going to die in the game, like I occasionally did making those turns in the Camry, I will say that all-in-all the game seemed very real to life.
Unfortunately there was no multiplayer available at the time, but the developers assured me that the final version will come with an amazing multiplayer option that will put all other racing games to shame (Of course they’re obligated to say this, but they’ve told the truth about everything up to now, so let’s give them the benefit of the doubt).
They also mention that, in addition to the standard Nascar race, there will also be a destruction derby mini-game. I got excited and told them that I absolutely loved Destruction Derby. Moments later, Rowdy Burns enthusiastically tells the press the exact same thing. Suddenly all is right with the world.
After I’d had my fill of the demo I headed over to the stands and watched a real Nascar race. I didn’t see any Michael Bay-worthy crashes, but I did see about a thousand fans cheering wildly all around me. I think it’s safe to say that this game is definitely going to make a lot of people happy.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Even slightly out of focus and standing next to a guy 6 inches taller than him, Michael Rooker is still the embodiment of badassery.
That seems like a pretty cool event for a game I’ve never even heard of. Maybe they should rethink their marketing budget and put a little into more traditional means of alerting the public.
That is an awesome post. Are you positive that the tall black man is not you?
AHAHHAHAHHAHAH So FUNNY
Are you that big black guy in the photos?
That guy looks like Randy Jackson…and your name is Randy Walker. Coincidence? I think not. It is you!!!